These are obviously supposed to come on when the trunk is open ( mine do not ) do they have bulbs or are they connected to a fuse?

Anyone else have this problem and how dod you fix it?

Thanks

 

I recently purchased a 2003 XJ8 and had the same problem. The wiring loom for the trunk lights, license plate lights, and trunk release runs up the passenger side trunk hinge. The wiring becomes brittle and can break at the hinge pivot point. Remove the plastic wiring cover on the hinge, cut the electrical tape, and inspect the wires for damage. I ended up cutting out about a 4in section of wiring and soldering in new wire....everything works properly now.
Good Luck,
Joe

 

Had same problem cut out 3 feet section replace wire and still didn't work. Neither does the power releases.

 

Remove the gray liner under the trunk lid. Carefully pry the little fasteners up. The
liner rips easily. Once that is off you will have good access to the light and the microswitch by the latch. If all this checks out then the problem will likely be in
the wiring going along the RH hinge. Having both the electric trunk release and the key trunk release with help keep you from getting locked out of the trunk in the future.

Note: the cover comes off the micro switch. You may be able to find an replacement
at a good electronics store. It is a Cherry sub miniture micro switch. If you only have
a problem with the light, you can pry the light socket out and access the bulb. Getting
it back in is tricky since the plastic retainer isn't secured to the gray liner material very
well. A hot glue gun fixes that. You can make a replacement retainer out of a used milk carton. It is hidden so it does not look bad. Use your computer to cross reference
light bulbs. If the volts, ma, size and base match you are all set.

 

Brettl
Yes, the trunk lights have bulbs. Do you have the Vehicle Care Handbook for your 1998 XJ8?
If not, you can download all the Handbooks from the jagdocs.com website:
1998 MY XJ8 X308 Owners Manual Set [Jaguar XJ8 XJR X308]

All 8 of them for $5.58: 3.50 GB pounds (use currency button to change from GB pounds to US dollars).
Audio Systems - 30 Pages
Drivers Handbook - 117 Pages
In-Car Telephone handbook - 21 Pages
Maintenance Schedules - 8 Pages
Quick Guide - 4 Pages
Safety Advice Card - 2 Pages
Security system - 17 Pages
Vehicle Care - 93 Pages (it has the fusebox locations, and fuse numbers with info on what they protect).

I have no relationship with jagdocs.com - just suggesting a place on the internet where you can download the handbook pdf files at a reasonable price.

Jim Lombardi

 

Can you tell me what the 3 wire plug by battery cable in box on 2001 XJRis for
can I tap into it for radio/CD / MP3 phone upgrades etc.
Color wires are Black , Blue/ White, Green/ Brown.
Also single small plug attached to Blue/ white wire .
Txs

 

While your there add the quick emergency trunk release wire.

 

I used plastic door trim removal tools to remove the light socket or the gray upholstery under the deck lid. Any car
Parts store has them or eBay. Basically a plastic putty knife. The light socket just pulls out and then you will see how to change the bulb. The lense/socket assembly is just friction fitted to the gray material. There is a flexible plastic backing around the back side of the hole that the light assembly is pressed into. If that plastic piece is missing the light socket
Will not stay in place. If you need a replacement , just cut a rectangle out of flexible plastic 1 1/2" larger that the hole and then cut out the middle so the light socket will fit snugly.

 

I don’t see the micro switch. I have 11.5 volts to the lights sockets and continuity down to the bend in the wire under the plastic guard. Still cant figure this out. If I have volts and continuity I should have light.

I also tested the bulbs and they are good. This would point to the micro switch for sure right? Just have to find it, any picture where it is at?

 

11.5 volts is a bit wimpy.
It could well be that you have a bad earth or a broken/corroded wire that lets some volts through but not enough current to light your bulb.
Try connecting a wire from your 11.5 volts to a known good bulb with the other terminal held on a good earth (battery -ve post). If it lights it's the bulbholder earth, if not you've got a broken wire or a bad microswitch.

 

Look at this JPEG file of Parts Diagram & Photos of the Trunk Lid Latch Open Warning and Trunk Light Micro Switch - Part# LNC6242AC:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1az75dqeus...croswitch1.jpg

When dropbox webpage opens click on the image to get a sharper view.

Jim Lombardi

 

I found the problem, it it’s the micro switch. Just need to know where I can find justthe switch portion not the whole housing.. Anyone know.



Brett

 

Micro Switch Part# is LNC6242AC - you can order online from Gaudin Jaguar parts - $52.81 plus $14.95 shipping

or Jaguar of Greenville (probably a little over $60 with free shipping)-
they are in South Carolina and they give Jaguar Forum members 15% discount plus free shipping on orders of $25 or more

or Terry's Jaguar Parts (Illinois) online - $58.50 plus $12.75 shipping
Here is a photo of the Micro Switch that is on Terry's webpage:
http://www.terrysjag.com/product/LNC6242AC.html

Jim Lombardi

 

Well the Micro switch fixed it. Thanks all for the help. Nice to finally see the light.

 

Hi I have no light when I open trunk but bulbs and lights are good so tomorrow I will get at the microswitch, is there anything I can do to free up the existing switch or is it a waste of time ? Thanks Trevor

 

If you're sure it is the switch, you better replace it.

I managed to spray some contact spray into it, but ripped the small rubber gator in the process.
It worked three month, then the problems returned.
Then replaced the switch altogether, and it is working fine ever since.

I think they are not too expensive new, but I just arranged a 2nd hand one, lucky.

 

What is contact spray? I'm not sure if it is the switch which is why I wonder could I get the existing one working , even for a short time to prove that it is the switch ...